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EP2993392A1 - Linsenelement und fahrzeugbeleuchtungseinheit - Google Patents

Linsenelement und fahrzeugbeleuchtungseinheit Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2993392A1
EP2993392A1 EP15182292.1A EP15182292A EP2993392A1 EP 2993392 A1 EP2993392 A1 EP 2993392A1 EP 15182292 A EP15182292 A EP 15182292A EP 2993392 A1 EP2993392 A1 EP 2993392A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
reflecting surface
light
light rays
lens member
ray2
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP15182292.1A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2993392B1 (de
Inventor
Ryotaro Owada
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Stanley Electric Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Stanley Electric Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Stanley Electric Co Ltd filed Critical Stanley Electric Co Ltd
Publication of EP2993392A1 publication Critical patent/EP2993392A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2993392B1 publication Critical patent/EP2993392B1/de
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V7/00—Reflectors for light sources
    • F21V7/0091—Reflectors for light sources using total internal reflection
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
    • F21S41/14—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
    • F21S41/141—Light emitting diodes [LED]
    • F21S41/147—Light emitting diodes [LED] the main emission direction of the LED being angled to the optical axis of the illuminating device
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
    • F21S41/14—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
    • F21S41/16—Laser light sources
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
    • F21S41/14—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
    • F21S41/176—Light sources where the light is generated by photoluminescent material spaced from a primary light generating element
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
    • F21S41/19—Attachment of light sources or lamp holders
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/20—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
    • F21S41/24—Light guides
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/20—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
    • F21S41/25—Projection lenses
    • F21S41/27—Thick lenses
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/30—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by reflectors
    • F21S41/32—Optical layout thereof
    • F21S41/322—Optical layout thereof the reflector using total internal reflection
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/40—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by screens, non-reflecting members, light-shielding members or fixed shades
    • F21S41/43—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by screens, non-reflecting members, light-shielding members or fixed shades characterised by the shape thereof
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V13/00—Producing particular characteristics or distribution of the light emitted by means of a combination of elements specified in two or more of main groups F21V1/00 - F21V11/00
    • F21V13/02—Combinations of only two kinds of elements
    • F21V13/04—Combinations of only two kinds of elements the elements being reflectors and refractors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V7/00—Reflectors for light sources
    • F21V7/04—Optical design
    • F21V7/09—Optical design with a combination of different curvatures

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to lens members and vehicle lighting units, and in particular, to a lens member to be disposed in front of a light source and a vehicle lighting unit including the same.
  • Some conventional vehicle lighting units can have a light source and a lens member disposed in front of the light source, like those disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 4047186 (or US 2004/0156209A1 corresponding thereto).
  • FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating a vehicle lighting unit 200 described in Japanese Patent No. 4047186 .
  • the vehicle lighting unit 200 includes a light source 210 having a semiconductor light emitting element, and a lens member 220 disposed in front of the light source 210.
  • the lens member 220 can have a light incident surface 221, a first reflecting surface 222, a second reflecting surface 223, and a convex lens surface 224.
  • the light incident surface 221 can have a semicircular shape so as to cover the light source 210 from above with the light source 210 disposed such that the light emission surface thereof faces upward.
  • the first reflecting surface 222 can be disposed at a position located in a direction in which the light emitted from the light source 210 and entering the lens member 220 through the light incident surface 221 travels.
  • the second reflecting surface 223 can extend from the lower end edge of the first reflecting surface 222 forward.
  • the vehicle lighting unit 200 with the above configuration can have the following problems.
  • the first and second reflecting surfaces 222 and 223 can be formed by deposited metal applied on the surface of the lens member 220 to be a reflecting surface having a reflectance of about 95% at maximum, the reflection loss (light loss) due to the deposited metal reflecting surfaces 222 and 223 can occur, thereby reducing the light utilization efficiency.
  • the facilities, additional process, metal material, etc. for metal deposition are required, resulting in cost increase.
  • the deposited metal reflecting surfaces 222 and 223 (reflecting films) have a reduced durability.
  • a lens member and a vehicle lighting unit including the same that can eliminate the metal deposition process which may cause cost increase, and can also suppress the reflection loss (light loss).
  • a lens member to be disposed in front of a light source, can be configured to include a front end portion and a rear end portion, and to form a predetermined light distribution pattern including a cut-off line at an upper edge thereof by causing light rays emitted from the light source and entering the lens member to exit through the front end portion for irradiation.
  • the lens member can include: an incident portion configured to allow the light rays from the light source to enter the lens member while dividing the entering light rays into first light rays that travel obliquely upward and forward and second light rays that travel obliquely upward and rearward; a first reflecting surface configured to internally reflect the first light rays; a second reflecting surface configured to internally reflect the second light rays; a third reflecting surface configured to internally reflect the second light rays that have been internally reflected by the second reflecting surface; a fourth reflecting surface configured to internally reflect at least part of the first light rays that have been internally reflected by the first reflecting surface and the second light rays that have been internally reflected by the third reflecting surface; and a light exiting surface disposed at the front end portion and configured to be a convex lens surface having a rear-side focal point.
  • the fourth reflecting surface can be configured to be a reflecting surface having a front end edge and extending rearward from a position at or near the rear-side focal point of the light exiting surface.
  • the incident portion, the first reflecting surface, the fourth reflecting surface, and the light exiting surface can constitute a first optical system configured to form a first partial light distribution pattern including a cut-off line at an upper end edge thereof defined by the front end edge of the fourth reflecting surface, the first partial light distribution pattern being formed by irradiating, forward through the light exiting surface, light rays not shielded by the fourth reflecting surface and light rays internally reflected by the fourth reflecting surface out of the first light rays having entered the lens member through the incident portion and been internally reflected by the first reflecting surface.
  • the incident portion, the second reflecting surface, the third reflecting surface, the fourth reflecting surface, and the light exiting surface can constitute a second optical system configured to form a second partial light distribution pattern including a cut-off line at an upper end edge thereof defined by the front end edge of the fourth reflecting surface, the second partial light distribution pattern being formed by irradiating, forward through the light exiting surface, light not shielded by the fourth reflecting surface and light rays internally reflected by the fourth reflecting surface out of the second light rays having entered the lens member through the incident portion and been internally reflected by the second reflecting surface and the third reflecting surface in order.
  • the predetermined light distribution pattern can be formed by superposing the first partial light distribution pattern and the second partial light distribution pattern upon each other as a synthetic light distribution pattern.
  • a lens member that can eliminate the metal deposition process which may cause cost increase, and can also suppress the reflection loss (light loss).
  • the incident portion configured to allow the light rays from the light source to enter the lens member while dividing the entering light rays into the first light rays that travel obliquely upward and forward and the second light rays that travel obliquely upward and rearward;
  • the first reflecting surface configured to internally reflect the first light rays ("internally reflect” means “totally reflect” with the theoretical reflectance of 100%);
  • the second reflecting surface configured to internally reflect the second light rays;
  • the third reflecting surface configured to internally reflect the second light rays that have been internally reflected by the second reflecting surface;
  • the fourth reflecting surface configured to internally reflect at least part of the first light rays that have been internally reflected by the first reflecting surface and the second light rays that have been internally reflected by the third reflecting surface.
  • the incident portion can include a front incident surface and a rear incident surface, and the front incident surface can have a rear end edge and the rear incident surface can have a front end edge so that the rear end edge and the front end edge are connected to each other to take a V shape opened toward the light source to surround the light source while the connected front and rear incident surfaces are disposed in front of the light source, so that the light rays emitted from the light source can be incident on the front incident surface as the first light rays and on the rear incident surface as the second light rays.
  • the action of the front and rear incident surfaces can divide the entering light rays into the first light rays that have entered the lens member through the front incident surface and travel obliquely upward and forward and the second light rays that have entered the lens member through the rear incident surface and travel obliquely upward and rearward.
  • the third reflecting surface can be disposed in a space between a first light path in which the first light rays travel and a second light path in which the second light rays travel so that the first light rays and the second light rays having entered the lens member through the incident portion are not directly incident on the third reflecting surface.
  • the first reflecting surface can be configured to internally reflect and converge the first light rays at or near the rear-side focal point of the light exiting surface with respect to a vertical direction.
  • the first reflecting surface can be formed by an ellipsoidal reflecting surface configured to have a first focal point disposed at or near the rear-side focal point of the light exiting surface and a second focal point disposed at or near a virtual focal point that is an intersection where the first light rays assumed to travel in a reverse direction intersect with each other.
  • the second reflecting surface can be configured to internally reflect the second light rays to direct the internally reflected second light to the third reflecting surface
  • the third reflecting surface can be configured to internally reflect the second light rays having been internally reflected by the second reflecting surface to converge the internally reflected second light rays to a position at or near the rear-side focal point of the light exiting surface with respect to the vertical direction.
  • the second reflecting surface can be a reflecting surface in a hyperbolic shape having two focal points, being one focal point disposed at or near a virtual focal point that is an intersection where the second light rays assumed to travel in a reverse direction intersect with each other and the other focal point disposed below the light source
  • the third reflecting surface can be a reflecting surface in an ellipsoidal shape having a first focal point disposed at or near the rear-side focal point of the light exiting surface and a second focal point disposed at or near the other focal point of the second reflecting surface.
  • a vehicle lighting unit can include the lens member according to any of the above configurations and the light source.
  • FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating a vehicle lighting unit 200 disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 4047186 ;
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a vehicle lighting unit 10 made in accordance with principles of the present invention
  • FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating the vehicle lighting unit 10 in FIG. 2 ;
  • FIG. 4A is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating the state of light rays that are emitted from a light source 12, pass through a lens member 14, and exit from a light exiting surface 14c (including a lower surface 14c1 below a reference axis AX and an upper surface 14c2 above the reference axis AX),
  • FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an example of a low beam light distribution pattern P formed by the vehicle lighting unit 10 (lens member 14) on a virtual vertical screen assumed to be disposed at a distance of 25 m away from and in front of a vehicle body
  • FIG. 4C is a diagram illustrating an example of an upper face light distribution pattern (P1 14c2 + P2 14c2 )
  • FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an example of a lower face light distribution pattern (P1 14c1 + P2 14c1 ) ;
  • FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating an essential part of the optical system of the vehicle lighting unit 10 of FIG. 2 ;
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating virtual focal points VF1 and VF2;
  • FIG. 7 is a horizontal cross-sectional view illustrating a front incident surface 14a1 (also a rear incident surface 14a2);
  • FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating a first reflecting surface 14b1;
  • FIG. 9 is a diagram (top view) illustrating optical paths along which first light rays Ray1 having been internally reflected by the first reflecting surface 14b1 travel;
  • FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating an example where a long axis AX 14b1 of the first reflecting surface 14b1 (ellipsoidal shape) is made coincide with the reference axis AX
  • FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating an example where the long axis AX 14b1 of the first reflecting surface 14b1 (ellipsoidal shape) is made inclined with respect to the reference axis AX by 5 degrees
  • FIG. 10C is a diagram illustrating an example where the long axis AX 14b1 of the first reflecting surface 14b1 (ellipsoidal shape) is made inclined with respect to the reference axis AX by 10 degrees;
  • FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a fourth reflecting surface 14b4 inclined with respect to a horizontal plane
  • FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D are a top view, a front view, a perspective view, and a side view of the fourth reflecting surface 14b4, respectively;
  • FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating a second reflecting surface 14b2;
  • FIG. 14A is a diagram illustrating a state where second light rays Ray2 (second light ray group) having been internally reflected by the second reflecting surface 14b2 travel in a parallel state toward the third reflecting surface 14b3, and
  • FIG. 14B is a diagram illustrating a state where the second light rays Ray2 (second light ray group) having been internally reflected by the second reflecting surface 14b2 travels in a crossing state toward the third reflecting surface 14b3;
  • FIG. 15 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating the third reflecting surface 14b3.
  • the directions are described on the supposition that the light illumination direction is forward and, as illustrated in FIG. 2 , etc., the lens member is disposed above the light source.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a vehicle lighting unit 10 made in accordance with principles of the present invention as a first exemplary embodiment
  • FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating the vehicle lighting unit 10 in FIG. 2
  • FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an example of a low beam light distribution pattern P formed by the vehicle lighting unit 10 (lens member 14) on a virtual vertical screen assumed to be disposed at a distance of 25 m away from and in front of a vehicle body.
  • the vehicle lighting unit 10 can include a light source 12 and a lens member 14 disposed in front of the light source 12. As illustrated in FIG. 4B , the vehicle lighting unit 10 can form the low beam light distribution pattern P including cut-off lines CL1 to CL3 at its upper edge.
  • FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating an essential part of the optical system of the vehicle lighting unit 10 of FIG. 2 .
  • the light source 12 can be a semiconductor light emitting element, such as a white LD, mounted on a metal substrate K.
  • the light source 12 may be selected from any other light sources such as a white LED, and the like.
  • the number of the light source 12 can be one or greater.
  • the white LD light source 12 can be configured to include a laser diode (LD) emitting blue laser light (for example, of which wavelength is 450 nm), and a wavelength conversion member configured to receive laser light from the LD and convert part thereof to light with different wavelength.
  • the wavelength conversion member can be a rectangular plate-shaped phosphor (for example, 0.4 mm x 0.8 mm) that can be excited by the blue laser light and emit yellow light.
  • the white LD light source with the above configuration can emit pseud white light by mixing the original blue laser light passing through the wavelength conversion member and yellow light emitted by the excited wavelength conversion member.
  • the lens body 14 can have a light source point F 14 (reference point in terms of optical designing), and the light source 12 can be disposed at or near the light source point F 14 while its light emission surface faces upward.
  • the light source 12 can have an optical axis AX 12 , and as illustrated in FIG. 5 , can pass an incident crossing point Sp where a front incident surface 14a1 and a rear incident surface 14a2 of the lens member 14 are connected to each other. Further, the optical axis AX 12 can be inclined with respect to a vertical line Av, though it may be made coincident with the vertical line Av.
  • the I( ⁇ ) in the equation represents the intensity of light emitted from the light source 12 in a direction inclined by an angle ⁇ with respect to the optical axis AX 12
  • the I 0 represents the intensity on the optical axis AX 12 .
  • the lens member 14 can be disposed in front of the light source 12, and can include a rear end portion 14AA and a front end portion 14BB.
  • the light rays emitted from the light source 12 can enter the inside of the lens member 14 and exit through the front end portion 14BB (light exiting surface 14c) so that the lens member 14 can project light forward to form the low beam light distribution pattern P including the upper edge cut-off lines CL1 to CL3, as illustrated in FIG. 4B .
  • the lens member 14 can include: an incident portion 14a configured to allow the light rays from the light source 12 to enter the lens member 14 while dividing the entering light rays into first light rays Ray1 that travel obliquely upward and forward and second light rays Ray2 that travel obliquely upward and rearward; a first reflecting surface 14b1 configured to internally reflect the first light rays Ray1; a second reflecting surface 14b2 configured to internally reflect the second light rays Ray2; a third reflecting surface 14b3 configured to internally reflect the second light rays Ray2 that have been internally reflected by the second reflecting surface 14b2; a fourth reflecting surface 14b4 configured to internally reflect at least part of the first light rays Ray1 that have been internally reflected by the first reflecting surface 14b1 and the second light rays Ray2 that have been internally reflected by the third reflecting surface 14b3; and a light exiting surface 14c disposed at the front end portion 14BB and configured to be a convex lens surface having a rear-side
  • the lens member 14 can have a first optical system, to be described later, configured to form a first partial light distribution pattern P1, and a second optical system, also to be described later, configured to form a second partial light distribution pattern P2, and the first and second partial light distribution patterns P1 and P2 can be superimposed upon each other to form the low beam light distribution pattern P as illustrated in FIG. 4B .
  • the lens member 14 can include in the rear end portion 14AA: the incident portion 14a configured to allow the light (light ray group from the light source point F 14 ) from the light source 12 to enter the lens member 14 while dividing (splitting) the entering light into first light rays Ray 1 (first light ray group) that can travel obliquely upward and forward and second light rays Ray2 (second light ray group) that can travel obliquely upward and rearward; the first reflecting surface 14b1 configured to internally (totally) reflect the first light rays Ray1 having entered the lens member 14; the second reflecting surface 14b2 configured to internally (totally) reflect the second light rays Ray2 having entered the lens member 14; the third reflecting surface 14b3 configured to internally (totally) reflect the second light rays Ray2 that has been internally reflected by the second reflecting surface 14b2; and the fourth reflecting surface 14b4 configured to internally (totally) reflect
  • the lens member 14 can include the light exiting surface 14c disposed at the front end portion 14BB and configured to be a convex lens surface having a rear-side focal point F 14c . Note that, for easy understanding, a description will be given on the assumption that the light rays are emitted from the light source point F 14 (reference point in terms of optical designing) of the lens body 14. Further, in an actual vehicular lamp, light rays emitted near the light source point F 14 are present due to the light source 12 being located near the light source point F 14 with the light emission surface facing upward.
  • the first optical system can be constituted by the incident portion 14a (the front incident surface 14a1), the first reflecting surface 14b1, the fourth reflecting surface 14b4, and the light exiting surface 14c.
  • the first light rays Ray1 having entered the lens member 14 through the incident portion 14a (the front incident surface 14a1) can be internally reflected by the first reflecting surface 14b1, and part of the first light rays Ray1 can be shielded by the fourth reflecting surface 14b4.
  • Another part of the right rays Ray1 not shielded by the fourth reflecting surface 14b4 and light rays internally reflected by the fourth reflecting surface 14b4 can exit through the light exiting surface 14c to be projected forward.
  • the thus projected light rays can form the first partial light distribution pattern P1, as illustrated in FIG. 4B , including the upper end edge cut-off lines CL1 to CL3 that are defined by a front end edge 14b5 of the fourth reflecting surface 14b4.
  • the lens body 14 constituting the first optical system is disposed in the air and thus, the first reflecting surface 14b1 and the fourth reflecting surface 14b4 can be formed as a reflecting surface that can totally reflect light by means of an interface with the air.
  • the first partial light distribution pattern P1 can be formed by superimposing the upper face light distribution pattern P1 14c2 upon the lower face light distribution pattern P1 14c1 as illustrated in FIGS. 4C and 4D .
  • the incident portion 14a can include the front incident surface 14a1 and the rear incident surface 14a2, which can be connected to each other at its rear end edge and its front end edge, so as to surround the light source 12 from above.
  • the front incident surface 14a1 and the rear incident surface 14a2 can form a surface with a V-letter cross section (or in a roof top shape) in front of the light source 12.
  • the straight line connecting the light source point F 14 and the incident crossing point Sp where the front incident surface 14a1 and the rear incident surface 14a2 are connected to each other can be inclined with respect to the vertical line Av.
  • the straight line connecting the light source point F 14 and the incident crossing point Sp may be coincident with the vertical line Av.
  • the light source 12 can have the optical axis AX 12 , and as illustrated in FIG. 5 , can pass the incident crossing point Sp where the front incident surface 14a1 and the rear incident surface 14a2 of the lens member 14 are connected to each other.
  • the front incident surface 14a1 can have a surface through which part of light rays emitted from the light source 12 can enter the lens member 14 while being refracted.
  • the part of light rays entering the front incident surface 14a1 can be those emitted from the light source 12 at an emission angle range of 0 degrees to 75 degrees with respect to its optical axis AX 12 , for example.
  • the surface shape of the front incident surface 14a1 can be configured such that the light rays that are emitted from the light source 12 and enter the lens member 14 can become the first light rays Ray1 travelling obliquely upward and forward due to refraction (or convergence).
  • the first light rays Ray1 can be a light ray group travelling in a direction inclined by a forward splitting angle of ⁇ f or greater with respect to the optical axis AX 12 of the light source 12.
  • the front incident surface 14a1 can be shaped in a substantially flat plane while inclined obliquely downward and forward so as to surround the light source 12 from above on the front side of the optical axis AX 12 of the light source 12.
  • the light rays having entered the lens member 14 through the front incident surface 14a1 can become the first light rays Ray1 to travel as if they have been emitted from a virtual focal point VF1 as illustrated in FIG. 6 due to refraction (or convergence) with respect to the vertical direction.
  • the virtual focal point VF1 can be defined as an intersection where the first light rays Ray1 (the first light ray group) assumed to travel in a reverse direction intersect with each other.
  • the front incident surface 14a1 in its horizontal cross section can have a surface shape configured such that the low beam light distribution pattern P can have a desired horizontal light intensity distribution.
  • the front incident surface 14a1 (horizontal cross section) can have a shape in a combination of straight lines and curved lines, as illustrated in FIG. 7 , so that the light rays emitted from the light source 12 can enter the inside of the lens member 14 with high efficiency.
  • This shape is not limitative, and the horizontal cross section of the front incident surface 14a1 can be a recessed arc shape so as to surround the light source 12 from above.
  • the first reflecting surface 14b1 can be a surface configured to internally (totally) reflect the first light rays Ray1 having entered through the front incident surface 14a1, and is not formed by metal vapor deposition.
  • the first reflecting surface 14b1 in its vertical cross section can have a surface shape configured to internally reflect the first light rays Ray1 to converge the same at or near the rear-side focal point F 14c of the light exiting surface 14c with respect to the vertical direction.
  • the first reflecting surface 14b1 in its vertical cross section can be designed to be an ellipsoidal reflecting surface or a similar free curved surface, having a first focal point F1 14b1 at or near the rear-side focal point F 14c of the light exiting surface 14c and a second focal point F2 14b1 at or near the virtual focal point VF1 that is the intersection where the first light rays Ray1 (the first light ray group) assumed to travel in a reverse direction intersect with each other.
  • the first reflecting surface 14b1 with this configuration can internally reflect the first light rays Ray1.
  • the reflecting surface configured to internally reflect the first light rays Ray1 out of the ellipsoidal reflecting surface may vary depending on the material (refractive index) of the lens member 14, the ellipsoidal shape (the inclined angle ⁇ R1 and the length of the long axis AX 14b1 of the ellipsoidal shape with respect to a reference axis AX extending in the vehicle front-to-rear direction), the inclined angle ⁇ L of the optical axis AX 12 of the light source 12 with respect to the vertical line Av, the shape of the front incident surface 14a1 (the front splitting angle ⁇ f , the degree of refraction (convergence) of the first light rays Ray1, etc.), and therefore, it is difficult to define it with concrete numerical values.
  • the reflecting surface namely, the first reflecting surface 14b1 configured to internally reflect the first light rays Ray1 out of the ellipsoidal reflecting surface by changing (adjusting) at least one factor such as the material (refractive index) of the lens member 14, the ellipsoidal shape (the inclined angle ⁇ R1 and the length of the long axis AX 14b1 of the ellipsoidal shape with respect to an reference axis AX extending in the vehicle front-to-rear direction), the inclined angle ⁇ L of the optical axis AX 12 of the light source 12 with respect to the vertical line Av, the shape of the front incident surface 14a1 (the front splitting angle ⁇ f , the degree of refraction (convergence) of the first light rays Ray1, etc.), etc., and, for every change, confirming the optical path for the first light rays Ray1 (or the light ray group from the light source point F 14 ) having entered the lens member 14 through the front incident surface 14a1.
  • the material refractive index
  • the first reflecting surface 14b1 in its horizontal cross section can be configured such that the low beam light distribution pattern P can have a desired horizontal light intensity distribution.
  • the first reflecting surface 14b1 in its horizontal cross section can be a reflecting surface based on a basic ellipsoidal shape so as to obtain the low beam light distribution pattern P with a desired horizontal light intensity distribution.
  • FIG.9 illustrates the optical path along which the first light rays Ray1 having been internally reflected by the first reflecting surface 14b1 can travel.
  • the long axis AX 14b1 of the first reflecting surface 14b1 in the ellipsoidal shape as illustrated in FIG. 8 can be inclined with respect to the reference axis AX within a range in which the second light rays Ray2 having been internally reflected by the third reflecting surface 14b3 are not shielded, although the long axis AX 14b1 of the first reflecting surface 14b1 may be coincident with the reference axis AX (see FIG. 10A ).
  • the first light rays Ray1 passing near the center of the light exiting surface 14c can be increased as compared with the case where the long axis AX 14b1 of the first reflecting surface 14b1 is not inclined with respect to the reference axis AX (see FIG. 10A ). Consequently, the light incident efficiency of the first light rays Ray1 having been internally reflected by the first reflecting surface 14b1 to the light exiting surface 14c can be improved. Furthermore, any Fresnel reflection loss when the first light rays Ray1 exit through the light exiting surface 14c can be suppressed.
  • FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating an example where the long axis AX 14b1 of the first reflecting surface 14b1 in the ellipsoidal shape is made coincide with the reference axis AX
  • FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating an example where the long axis AX 14b1 of the first reflecting surface 14b1 in the ellipsoidal shape is made inclined with respect to the reference axis AX by 5 degrees
  • FIG. 10C is a diagram illustrating an example where the long axis AX 14b1 of the first reflecting surface 14b1 in the ellipsoidal shape is made inclined with respect to the reference axis AX by 10 degrees.
  • the fourth reflecting surface 14b4 can be configured to internally (totally) reflect at least part of the first light rays Ray1 having been internally reflected by the front incident surface 14b1 (and also the second light rays Ray2 having been internally reflected by the third reflecting surface 14b3) and is not formed by metal vapor deposition.
  • the light source 12 can be disposed at or near the light source point F 14 (reference point in terms of optical designing) while the light emission surface thereof faces upward, there are light rays near the light source point F 14 .
  • the light rays including at and near the light source point F 14 can become the first light rays Ray1.
  • Such first light rays Ray1 entering the lens body 14 can be internally reflected by the first reflecting surface 14b1 and part thereof can be internally reflected by the fourth reflecting surface 14b4.
  • the second light rays Ray2 emitted at and near the light source point F 14 and entering the lens body 14 can be internally reflected by the second and third reflecting surfaces 14b2 and 14b3 and part thereof can be internally reflected by the fourth reflecting surface 14b4.
  • the fourth reflecting surface 14b4 can be configured to be a planar reflecting surface extending rearward in the horizontal direction from a position at or near the rear-side focal point F 14c of the light exiting surface 14c (although the fourth reflecting surface 14b4 may be configured to be a planar reflecting surface inclined with respect to a horizontal plane within a range in which the second light rays Ray2 having been internally reflected by the third reflecting surface 14b3 are not shielded, as illustrated in FIG. 11 ).
  • the light rays emitted just from the light source point F 14 can travel within the lens body 14 without being reflected by the fourth reflecting surface 14b4 while remaining parts of light rays emitted near the light source point F 14 can be incident on the fourth reflecting surface 14b4 or pass through the front side of the same.
  • the first light rays Ray 1 (and the second light rays Ray2) having been internally reflected by the fourth reflecting surface 14b4 can be controlled to travel in a downward direction, thereby increasing the amount of the first light rays Ray1 (and the second light rays Ray2) passing at or near the center of the light exiting surface 14c.
  • the light incident efficiency of the first light rays Ray1 (and the second light rays Ray2) having been internally reflected by the fourth reflecting surface 14b4 to the light exiting surface 14c can be improved. Furthermore, any Fresnel reflection loss when the first light rays Ray1 (and the second light rays Ray2) exit through the light exiting surface 14c can be suppressed.
  • FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D are a top view, a front view, a perspective view, and a side view of the fourth reflecting surface 14b4, respectively.
  • the front end edge 14b5 of the fourth reflecting surface 14b4 can include an edge e1 corresponding to the horizontal cut-off line CL1 on the left side, an edge e2 corresponding to the horizontal cut-off line CL2 on the right side, and an edge e3 corresponding to the inclined cut-off line CL3 connecting the left horizontal cut-off line CL1 and the right horizontal cut-off line CL2.
  • the edge e1 corresponding to the left horizontal cut-off CL1 can be disposed at a position lower than the edge e2 corresponding to the right horizontal cut-off line CL2 with respect to the vertical direction when a vehicle provided with the vehicle lighting unit is used in a left-hand traffic system. Further, the edge e1 corresponding to the left horizontal cut-off CL1 may be disposed at a position higher than the edge e2 corresponding to the right horizontal cut-off line CL2 with respect to the vertical direction when a vehicle provided with the vehicle lighting unit is used in a righthand traffic system.
  • Part of the first light rays Ray1 that have been incident on the front incident surface 14a1 of the incident portion 14a to enter the lens member 14 and internally reflected by the first reflecting surface 14b1 can be shielded by the fourth reflecting surface 14b4.
  • Another part (remaining part) of the first light rays Ray1 not shielded by the fourth reflecting surface 14b4 can exit through the lower surface 14c1 of the light exiting surface 14c below the reference axis AX to be projected forward, as illustrated in FIG. 4A .
  • the projected light rays can thus form the lower face light distribution pattern P1 14c1 (see FIG. 4D ) including the cut-off line at the upper end edge defined by the front end edge 14b5 of the fourth reflecting surface 14b4. Note that in FIG.
  • the light distribution pattern including the light rays exiting through the lower surface 14c1 is denoted by PB.
  • the part of the first light rays Ray1 that have been incident on the front incident surface 14a1 of the incident portion 14a to enter the lens member 14 and internally reflected by the first reflecting surface 14b1 can be internally reflected by the fourth reflecting surface 14b4 to be projected forward through the upper surface 14c2 of the light exiting surface 14c above the reference axis AX.
  • the thus projected light rays can be directed to a road surface (see FIG. 4A ).
  • the light distribution pattern including the light rays exiting through the upper surface 14c2 is denoted by PA.
  • shield(ing, ed) means to include the case where the light rays reaching the fourth reflecting surface 14b4 is prevented from straightforwardly travelling while being totally reflected, compared with the case where there is no fourth reflecting surface.
  • the first light rays Ray1 having been internally reflected by the fourth reflecting surface 14b4 can form a pattern obtained by folding the original pattern at the cut-off line as a border to be superimposed on the portion below the cut-off line, whereby the upper face light distribution pattern P1 14c2 including the cut-off line at the upper end edge defined by the front end edge 14b5 of the fourth reflecting surface 14b4 (see FIG. 4C ).
  • the light exiting surface 14c can be configured as a convex lens surface projected forward and having the rear-side focal point F 14c at or near the front end edge 14b5 of the fourth reflecting surface 14b4 (at or near the horizontal center of the front end edge 14b5, for example).
  • the light exiting surface 14c can function as the convex lens to project the light distribution image (light source image) formed by the first light rays Ray1 having been internally reflected by the first reflecting surface 14b1 (and the second light rays Ray2 having been internally reflected by the third reflecting surface 14b3) at or near the rear-side focal point F 14C of the light exiting surface 14c while inverting the image, thereby forming the first partial light distribution pattern P1 (and the second partial light distribution pattern P2).
  • a curved surface 14b6 inclined obliquely forward and downward there can be formed between the front end edge 14b5 of the fourth reflecting surface 14b4 and the lower end edge of the light exiting surface 14c.
  • the surface 14b6 may not have optical function, and can serve simply as a connecting surface therebetween.
  • a planar surface 14b7 inclined obliquely forward and upward there can be formed between the rear end edge of the fourth reflecting surface 14b4 and the front end edge of the front incident surface 14a1, there can be formed a planar surface 14b7 inclined obliquely forward and upward, as illustrated in FIG. 3 , etc.
  • the surface 14b7 may not have optical function, and can serve simply as a connecting surface.
  • the first optical system with the above configuration can superimpose the lower face light distribution pattern P1 14c1 (see FIG. 4D ) on the upper face light distribution pattern P1 14c2 (see FIG. 4C ) to form the first partial light distribution pattern P1.
  • the second optical system can be constituted by the incident portion 14a (the rear incident surface 14a2), the second reflecting surface 14b2, the third reflecting surface 14b3, the fourth reflecting surface 14b4, and the light exiting surface 14c.
  • the second light rays Ray2 having entered the lens member 14 through the incident portion 14a (the rear incident surface 14a2) can be internally reflected by the second reflecting surface 14b2 and the third reflecting surface 14b3, and part of the second light rays Ray2 can be shielded by the fourth reflecting surface 14b4.
  • Another part (remaining part) thereof not shielded by the fourth reflecting surface 14b4 and light rays internally reflected by the fourth reflecting surface 14b4 can exit through the light exiting surface 14c to be projected forward.
  • the thus projected light rays can form the second partial light distribution pattern P2 including the upper end edge cut-off lines defined by the front end edge 14b5 of the fourth reflecting surface 14b4.
  • the second partial light distribution pattern P2 can be formed by superimposing the upper face light distribution pattern P2 14c2 upon the lower face light distribution pattern P2 14c1 as illustrated in FIGS. 4C and 4D .
  • the rear incident surface 14a2 can have a surface through which part of light rays emitted from the light source 12 can enter the lens member 14 while being refracted.
  • the part of light rays can be those emitted from the light source 12 at an emission angle range of 0 degrees to 75 degrees with respect to its optical axis AX 12 .
  • the surface shape of the rear incident surface 14a2 can be configured such that the light rays that are emitted from the light source 12 and enter the lens member 14 can become the second light rays Ray2 travelling obliquely upward and rearward due to refraction (or convergence).
  • the second light rays Ray2 can be a light ray group travelling in a direction inclined by a rearward splitting angle of ⁇ r or greater with respect to the optical axis AX 12 of the light source 12.
  • the rear incident surface 14a2 can be shaped in a substantially flat plane while inclined obliquely downward and rearward so as to surround the light source 12 from above on the rear side of the optical axis AX 12 of the light source 12.
  • the light rays having entered the lens member 14 through the rear incident surface 14a2 can become the second light rays Ray2 to travel as if they have been emitted from a virtual focal point VF2 as illustrated in FIG. 6 due to refraction (or convergence) with respect to the vertical direction.
  • the virtual focal point VF2 can be defined as an intersection where the second light rays Ray2 (the second light ray group) assumed to travel in a reverse direction intersect with each other.
  • the rear incident surface 14a2 in its horizontal cross section can be configured such that the low beam light distribution pattern P can have a desired horizontal light intensity distribution.
  • the rear incident surface 14a2 (horizontal cross section) can have a shape in a combination of straight lines and curved lines, as illustrated in FIG. 7 , so that the light rays emitted from the light source 12 can enter the inside of the lens member 14 with high efficiency.
  • This shape is not limitative, and the horizontal cross section of the rear incident surface 14a2 can be a recessed arc shape so as to surround the light source 12 from above.
  • the second reflecting surface 14b2 can be configured to internally (totally) reflect the second light rays Ray2 having entered through the rear incident surface 14a2, and is not formed by metal vapor deposition.
  • the second reflecting surface 14b2 in its vertical cross section can be configured to internally reflect the second light rays Ray2 to direct the same toward the third reflecting surface 14b3.
  • the second reflecting surface 14b2 in its vertical cross section can be designed to be a hyperbolic reflecting surface or a similar free curved surface, having one focal point F1 14b2 at or near the virtual focal point VF2 that is the intersection where the second light rays Ray2 assumed to travel in a reverse direction intersect with each other, and the other focal point F2 14b2 below the light source 12.
  • the second reflecting surface 14b2 with this configuration can internally reflect the second light rays Ray2.
  • the reflecting surface configured to internally reflect the second light rays Ray2 out of the hyperbolic reflecting surface may vary depending on the material (refractive index) of the lens member 14, the hyperbolic shape (the position of the other focal point F2 14b2 ), the inclined angle ⁇ L of the optical axis AX 12 of the light source 12 with respect to the vertical line Av, the shape of the rear incident surface 14a2 (the rear splitting angle ⁇ r , the degree of refraction (convergence) of the second light rays Ray2, etc.), and therefore, it is difficult to define it with concrete numerical values.
  • the reflecting surface namely, the second reflecting surface 14b2
  • the hyperbolic shape the position of the other focal point F2 14b2
  • the shape of the rear incident surface 14a2 the rear splitting angle ⁇ r , the degree of refraction (convergence) of the second light rays Ray2, etc.
  • the light rays having entered the lens member 14 through the rear incident surface 14a2 can become the second light rays Ray2 and then can be internally reflected by the second reflecting surface 14b2 to travel as if they have been emitted from the other focal point F2 14b2 due to the geometric characteristics of the hyperboloid with respect to the vertical direction.
  • the second reflecting surface 14b2 can be configured to internally reflect the second light rays Ray2 (the second light ray group) in a parallel state toward the third reflecting surface 14b3, as illustrated in FIG. 14A . This is because the wider angle design can be made up to the critical angle for total reflection, thereby enhancing the design degree of freedom for the third reflecting surface 14b3.
  • FIG. 14B is a diagram illustrating another example of the second reflecting surface 14b2 configured such that the second light rays Ray2 (second light ray group) having been internally reflected by the second reflecting surface 14b2 travel in a crossing state toward the third reflecting surface 14b3.
  • the second reflecting surface 14b2 in its horizontal cross section can be configured such that the low beam light distribution pattern P can have a desired horizontal light intensity distribution.
  • the third reflecting surface 14b3 can be configured to internally (totally) reflect the second light rays Ray2 having been internally reflected by the second reflecting surface 14b2 and is not formed by metal vapor deposition.
  • the third reflecting surface can be disposed in a space (a region defined by the splitting angles ⁇ f and ⁇ r as illustrated in FIG. 5 ) between the first light path in which the first light rays Ray1 travel and the second light path in which the second light rays Ray2 travel so that the first light rays Ray1 and the second light rays Ray2 having entered the lens member 4 through the incident portion 14a (the front incident surface 14a1 and the rear incident surface 14a2) are not directly incident on the third reflecting surface 14b3.
  • the third reflecting surface can be disposed between an intersection S f and another intersection S r , where the intersection S f is formed between the first reflecting surface 14b1 and a straight line L f defining the front splitting angle ⁇ f (the light rays passing nearest the incident surface intersection S p out of the light rays having entered the lens member 14 through the front incident surface 14a1), while the intersection S r is formed between the second reflecting surface 14b2 and a straight line L r defining the rear splitting angle ⁇ r (the light rays passing nearest the incident surface intersection S p out of the light rays having entered the lens member 14 through the rear incident surface 14a2).
  • the intersection S f is formed between the first reflecting surface 14b1 and a straight line L f defining the front splitting angle ⁇ f (the light rays passing nearest the incident surface intersection S p out of the light rays having entered the lens member 14 through the front incident surface 14a1)
  • the intersection S r is formed between the second reflecting surface 14b2 and a
  • the third reflecting surface 14b3 and the first reflecting surface 14b1 may be coupled with each other smoothly without any step therebetween as illustrated in FIG. 5 , or with a step therebetween, as illustrated in FIG. 14B .
  • the third reflecting surface 14b3 in its vertical cross section can be configured to internally reflect the second light rays Ray2 that have been internally reflected by the second reflecting surface 14b2, so as to converge the same at or near the rear-side focal point F 14c of the light exiting surface 14c with respect to the vertical direction.
  • the third reflecting surface 14b3 in its vertical cross section can be designed to be an ellipsoidal reflecting surface or a similar free curved surface, having a first focal point F1 14b3 at or near the rear-side focal point F 14c of the light exiting surface 14c and a second focal point F2 14b3 at or near the other focal point F2 14b2 .
  • the third reflecting surface 14b3 with this configuration can internally reflect the second light rays Ray2 having been internally reflected by the second reflecting surface 14b2.
  • the reflecting surface configured to internally reflect the second light rays Ray2 out of the ellipsoidal reflecting surface may vary depending on the material (refractive index) of the lens member 14, the ellipsoidal shape (the inclined angle and the length of the long axis AX 14b3 of the ellipsoidal shape with respect to the reference axis AX), the hyperbolic shape (the location of the other focal point F2 14b2 ), the inclined angle ⁇ L of the optical axis AX 12 of the light source 12 with respect to the vertical line Av, the shape of the rear incident surface 14a2 (the rear splitting angle ⁇ r , the degree of refraction (convergence) of the second light rays Ray2, etc.), and therefore, it is difficult to define it with concrete numerical values.
  • the reflecting surface configured to internally reflect the second light rays Ray2 out of the ellipsoidal reflecting surface by changing (adjusting) at least one factor such as the material (refractive index) of the lens member 14, the ellipsoidal shape (the inclined angle and the length of the long axis AX 14b3 of the ellipsoidal shape with respect to the reference axis AX), the hyperbolic shape (the location of the other focal point F2 14b2 ), the inclined angle ⁇ L of the optical axis AX 12 of the light source 12 with respect to the vertical line Av, the shape of the rear incident surface 14a2 (the rear splitting angle ⁇ r , the degree of refraction (convergence) of the second light rays Ray2, etc.), etc., and, for every change, confirming the optical path for the second light rays Ray2 (or the light ray group from the light source point F 14 ) having entered the lens member 14 through the rear incident surface 14a
  • the third reflecting surface 14b3 in its horizontal cross section can be configured such that the low beam light distribution pattern P can have a desired horizontal light intensity distribution.
  • the third reflecting surface 14b3 in its horizontal cross section can be a reflecting surface based on a basic ellipsoidal shape so as to obtain the low beam light distribution pattern P with a desired horizontal light intensity distribution.
  • Part of the second light rays Ray2 that have been incident on the rear incident surface 14a2 of the incident portion 14a to enter the lens member 14 and internally reflected by the second reflecting surface 14b2 and the third reflecting surface 14b3 can be shielded by the fourth reflecting surface 14b4.
  • Another part (remaining part) of the second light rays Ray2 not shielded by the fourth reflecting surface 14b4 can exit through the lower surface 14c1 of the light exiting surface 14c below the reference axis AX to be projected forward, as illustrated in FIG. 4A .
  • the projected light rays can thus form the lower face light distribution pattern P2 14c1 (see FIG. 4D ) including the cut-off line at the upper end edge defined by the front end edge 14b5 of the fourth reflecting surface 14b4.
  • the part of the second light rays Ray2 that have been incident on the rear incident surface 14a2 of the incident portion 14a to enter the lens member 14 and internally reflected by the second reflecting surface 14b2 and the third reflecting surface 14b3 can be internally reflected by the fourth reflecting surface 14b4 to be projected forward through the upper surface 14c2 of the light exiting surface 14c above the reference axis AX.
  • the thus projected light rays can be directed to a road surface (see FIG. 4A ).
  • the second light rays Ray2 having been internally reflected by the fourth reflecting surface 14b4 can form a pattern obtained by folding the original pattern at the cut-off line as a border to be superimposed on the lower portion thereof, whereby the upper face light distribution pattern P2 14c2 including the cut-off line at the upper end edge defined by the front end edge 14b5 of the fourth reflecting surface 14b4 (see FIG. 4C ).
  • the second optical system with the above configuration can superimpose the lower face light distribution pattern P2 14c1 (see FIG. 4D ) on the upper face light distribution pattern P2 14c2 (see FIG. 4C ) to form the second partial light distribution pattern P2.
  • the first partial light distribution pattern P1 formed by the first optical system can be superimposed on the second partial light distribution pattern P2 formed by the second optical system, to thereby form the low beam light distribution pattern P as illustrated in FIG. 4B .
  • the low beam light distribution pattern P can include the upper end edge cut-off lines CL1 to CL3 defined by the front end edge 14b5 of the fourth reflecting surface 14b4.
  • the ratio of the light rays having entered through the front incident surface 14a1 and those through the rear incident surface 14a2 from the light source 12 can be controlled by adjusting the angle formed between the vertical line Av and the optical axis AX 12 of the light source 12 by rotating the light source 12 around itself or the light source point F 14 .
  • the light source 12 in the state shown in FIG. 5 can be rotated in a clockwise direction around itself (light source point F 14 ) so as to increase the angle formed between the optical axis AX 12 of the light source 12 and the vertical line Av, to thereby increase the amount of light (the first light ray Ray1) emitted from the light source 12 and entering the lens member 14.
  • the first partial light distribution pattern P1 formed by the first light rays Ray1 can be increased in intensity (become brighter).
  • the light source 12 in the state shown in FIG. 5 can be rotated in an anti-clockwise direction around itself (light source point F 14 ) so as to decrease the angle formed between the optical axis AX 12 of the light source 12 and the vertical line Av, to thereby increase the amount of light (the second light ray Ray2) emitted from the light source 12 and entering the lens member 14.
  • the second partial light distribution pattern P2 formed by the second light rays Ray2 can be increased in intensity (become brighter).
  • the lens member 14 and the vehicle lighting unit 10 including the same that can eliminate the metal deposition process which may cause cost increase and can also suppress the reflection loss (light loss).
  • the incident portion 14a configured to allow the light rays from the light source 12 to enter the lens member 14 while dividing the entering light rays into the first light rays Ray1 that travel obliquely upward and forward and the second light rays Ray2 that travel obliquely upward and rearward; the first reflecting surface 14b1 configured to internally reflect the first light rays Ray1 ("internally reflect” means “totally reflect” with the theoretical reflectance of 100%); the second reflecting surface 14b2 configured to internally reflect the second light rays Ray2; the third reflecting surface 14b3 configured to internally reflect the second light rays Ray2 that have been internally reflected by the second reflecting surface 14b2; and the fourth reflecting surface 14b4 configured to internally reflect at least part of the first light rays Ray1 that have been internally reflected by the first reflecting surface 14b1 and the second light rays Ray2 that have been internally reflected by the third reflecting surface 14b3.
  • the present exemplary embodiment with the above-described configuration, it is possible to form the low beam light distribution pattern P with excellent far-side visibility by means of relatively high light intensity near the cut-off line. This is because the first light rays Ray1 having been internally reflected by the first reflecting surface 14b1 and the second light rays Ray2 having been internally reflected by the third reflecting surface 14b3 can be converged at or near the rear-side focal point F 14c of the light exiting surface 14c with respect to the vertical direction.
  • the present invention can be applied to other vehicle lighting units that form a light distribution pattern having an upper end edge cut-off line, such as a fog lamp.
  • the exemplified numerical values are illustrative and can appropriately be changed in accordance with the use purpose or the like.

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  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
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CN113494700A (zh) 2020-03-20 2021-10-12 华域视觉科技(上海)有限公司 一种近光初级光学元件、车灯模组、车灯和车辆
JP7424169B2 (ja) * 2020-03-31 2024-01-30 市光工業株式会社 車両用導光体及び車両用灯具ユニット
WO2022044078A1 (ja) * 2020-08-24 2022-03-03 三菱電機株式会社 前照灯モジュール及び前照灯装置

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FR3050010A1 (fr) * 2016-04-11 2017-10-13 Valeo Vision Module d'emission de lumiere compact, dispositif et projecteur associes pour vehicule automobile
WO2017185118A1 (de) * 2016-04-29 2017-11-02 Zkw Group Gmbh Beleuchtungseinheit für einen kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer zum erzeugen eines lichtbündels mit hell-dunkel-grenze
AT518557A1 (de) * 2016-04-29 2017-11-15 Zkw Group Gmbh Beleuchtungseinheit für einen Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer zum Erzeugen eines Lichtbündels mit Hell-Dunkel-Grenze
AT518557B1 (de) * 2016-04-29 2018-04-15 Zkw Group Gmbh Beleuchtungseinheit für einen Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer zum Erzeugen eines Lichtbündels mit Hell-Dunkel-Grenze
FR3051537A1 (fr) * 2016-05-18 2017-11-24 Valeo Vision Dioptre redresseur de coupure
FR3051541A1 (fr) * 2016-05-18 2017-11-24 Valeo Vision Projecteur a led a dioptre creant coupure pour vehicules
EP3246620A1 (de) * 2016-05-18 2017-11-22 Valeo Vision Led-scheinwerfer für fahrzeuge mit diopter, der eine abschattung erzeugt
EP3246621A1 (de) * 2016-05-18 2017-11-22 Valeo Vision Diopter mit unterbrechungsausgleich
US10161592B2 (en) 2016-05-18 2018-12-25 Valeo Vision LED headlamp with refractive interface creating cut-off for vehicles
EP3388736A1 (de) * 2017-04-14 2018-10-17 Stanley Electric Co., Ltd. Linse und dazugehöriger scheinwerfer für ein fahrzeug
CN108730909A (zh) * 2017-04-14 2018-11-02 斯坦雷电气株式会社 透镜体及车辆用灯具
US10281105B2 (en) 2017-04-14 2019-05-07 Stanley Electric Co., Ltd. Lens body for vehicle configured to emit light forward from a light source and lighting tool for vehicle
US11971147B2 (en) 2019-11-01 2024-04-30 Ichikoh Industries, Ltd. Vehicle light guide and vehicle headlight
EP4053447A4 (de) * 2019-11-01 2024-06-19 Ichikoh Industries, Ltd. Fahrzeuglichtleiter und fahrzeugscheinwerfer

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EP2993392B1 (de) 2017-03-22
JP6340751B2 (ja) 2018-06-13
US9822947B2 (en) 2017-11-21
US20160053967A1 (en) 2016-02-25

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